Priory Country Park is a former gravel pits located on the South East edge of Bedford, adjacent to the River Great Ouse. Find us at Barkers Lane off A428, or in Priory Business Park off A421 Bedford bypass. Admission is Free with access to the Visitor centre and 2 hides, one overlooking the main lake and one on the Finger lakes. You will find Winter wildfowl, passage terns and waders, and Water Rail all year.

Pages

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Guided Walk - Sunday 27th November

Just back from the guided walk this morning, a really good turn out, shame the same could not be said for the birds. There was a really strong wind and a few showers rattled through early on, before the walk. Another heavy shower came through just as we started the walk, thanks very much!

With the strong winds it was always going to be hard finding stuff so we started off with a look around the main lake where the winter ducks could be relied upon. From the south west corner we had Gadwall and Wigeon along with the usual Coots and Mute Swans. A Kingfisher flew across the south west corner but hid in the Willows so we were unable to get a good look. We continued around the corner in the hope we might see it but failed to find it through the mass of branches. Some of the group spotted it a little further along the south side.

Along the south side we found Pochard and Tufted Ducks along with a couple more Wigeon and plenty more Gadwall and Coots. A small party of Long-tailed Tits gave good views as they moved through the Willows.

We cut through to the river to have a look over Fenlake Meadows for the Stonechat but unsurprisingly it didn't show. With the winter wildfowl zone now closed off we walked around Pressmead which was very quiet until a flock of Lapwing passed overhead (a very rough estimate of 100).

We continued along the east side of the main lake where a very bold Robin showed well on the fence, showing little fear of us. The Little Grebes on Fingers failed to show and we blanked at Kramer hide as well. We continued along the Navigation Channel and a couple of Cormorants were in the usual tree on Kingsmead.

Up at the Sewerage Treatment Works we waited on the bridge in the hope of another Kingfisher but no joy and the Lapwings from yesterday, on 100 Acre, were conspicuous by their absence. A bit of a theme developing :-(

Back in the park we cut through the Woodland Walk and had Bullfinch calling about half way along. We cut through Fingers, passed the Sedgewick Seat and cut across the meadows back to the car park. Another Bullfinch was calling in the scrub around the car park but again it wouldn't show itself.

So not a huge success this morning. Many thanks to all those who came, both old and new faces, hope to see you again on a future walk.

Volunteer Group Programme

If you cannot join us for the whole day feel free to come along when you can, all help is appreciated.

November 5th 9am - 3pm

December 3rd 9am - 3pm

January 7th 9am - 3pm

February 4th 9am - 3pm

March 4th 9am - 3pm

April 1st 9am - 3pm

Please note that the Priory Rangers may have to cancel a task day at short notice if the health and safety of volunteers cannot be ensured.

Under 17s MUST be accompanied by an adult. All training and tools provided by the Rangers. You will need: stout footwear (trainers not acceptable), suitable outdoors clothing, and a packed lunch. Tea and biscuits provided.

Volunteers will be asked to leave if inappropriate clothing and footwear is worn, or health and safety instructions are not followed.